Here are The Traveling Professor's tips for enjoying a tour to Italy
Do not, repeat, do not go to Rome, Florence, or Venice in the summer. This summer, temperatures are regularly in the 100's. The crowds are unbearable, and airfares are sky-high. We actually stay away from Italy all summer, but we advise from staying away from the big cities altogether. If going in the summer, visit the off-the-beaten path places.
Book your flight into an alternative city: Both Milan airports are usually the cheapest to fly into. Bologna has some deals too.
Don't stay in the tourist areas: For instance, in Venice, don't stay near St. Marks. The Dorsoduro area near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a good spot for us.
Make advance reservations: Unless you want to wait in hours-long-lines on your vacation, either buy the museum pass (i.e., Roma Pass, Firenze Card, Verona Card) or make reservations in advance. I don't understand why people wait in line for hours to see the Vatican Museums when reservations can be made or visits are available with no crowds on some Friday nights.
Travel from city to city by train: and again, save well over 50% by booking far in advance.
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